To Weber, capitalism grew in the Protestant nations like England, … Study of religion - Study of religion - Basic aims and methods: The growth of various disciplines in the 19th century, notably psychology and sociology, stimulated a more analytic approach to religions, while at the same time theology became more sophisticated and, in a sense, scientific as it began to be affected by and thus to make use of historical and other methods. In the modern world of materialism man is badly in need of spiritualism. In this way studying religion invites us all to think in a more interdisciplinary and integral way about the world and our place in … It has emerged as the single most important means of communication for those interested in critical approaches to the study of religion. A good way to start learning from other religion is to study the basics. Religious studies, also known as the study of religion, is an academic field devoted to research into religious beliefs, behaviors, and institutions.It describes, compares, interprets, and explains religion, emphasizing systematic, historically based, and cross-cultural perspectives. I can connect on points of similarity but I can also connect on shared interest in differences. This page was last edited on 14 June 2017, at 22:17. If we simply say, “Jesus is the Messiah,” Muslims will agree—but what they mean by that is very different from what the Bible means. The importance of studying sociology and anthropology is to understand humans and human nature. Chapter 1 in the student book notes the importance of empathy in the study of world religions. 23 Answers. One thing all these religions have in common is the ability to bring people together. For instance, although Christianity has somewhat to say about materialism and self discipline, Buddhism has explored the issues in much more depth. 3 0. Otherwise, they are likely to misinterpret the gospel message on their worldview terms, which leads to syncretism—a dangerous blending of biblical Christianity with nonbiblical elements. For instance, although Christianity has somewhat to say about materialism and self discipline, Buddhism has explored the issues in much more depth. i need about four different reasons. We live in a world where society has now changed. ... as do other religion's formal, regular services. The native religions of North America have much to say about what it is to live a balanced life. 4. This view is especially prominent in Indonesia (85%), the Philippines (58%) and India (53%). The study of sociology can help us increase our acceptance of the differences in cultures, religions, and values. However, those days of pervasive cultural influence are now long gone. In a different vein, I am a Christian. The point is to make the gospel clearly understood. Hinduism has the concept of being born again, yet a Hindu thinks of that word in terms of reincarnation, not regeneration. Some attempts to help an individual that hold different beliefs may actually be taboo in their religion. [1] By Michael Molloy . The concept “Value of Diversity” refers to, understanding each other and moving beyond religion and culture to appreciate the person’s principles and their presence in the society. Yet, when the question of non-western religious traditions has been raised, the reaction has often been a rather hostile one, implying that it is neither profitable nor necessary to study other religions. ADVERTISEMENTS: Man cannot get peace through worldly pleasures, because there is no end to the same. 9 years ago. For example, Islam agrees that Jesus is the Messiah, was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, is alive in heaven today, and will come again at the end of history. If I am concerned about others, I will be interested in their lives. By Staff Writer Last Updated Mar 31, 2020 6:52:51 AM ET. Gain an understanding of another culture. It is really, really helpful to know that when we attempt to share the gospel with Muslims. 'What is the importance of studying religions in our time? We understand why other religions/cultures act/live the way they do. Approximately one-in-five say religion is “not too” (11%) or “not at all” important in their lives (11%).Although religion remains important to many Americans, its importance has slipped modestly in the last seven years. 9 years ago. The language that we use in articulating the gospel now, therefore, should assume that our audience lacks the biblical foundation for their understanding of reality. Can I be of any benefit to them if they reject me? Certainly religion plays a part in those things. Why study other religions? But we’re going to try anyway. Because of the complexity and importance of religious phenomena, the scholarly study of religion in the modern research university is inherently interdisciplinary. Zane Pratt serves as vice president of training at the International Mission Board. Republish for free. There was a time when North American culture was very heavily influenced by biblical teaching and values (although genuinely born-again Christians have almost certainly never been a majority of the population). And finally, and I think also relevant to this book, it is pleasant to sit back and read the tales of other people that give voice to their spirit as a people, their aspirations, their hopes and dreams. 3. On the other hand, people who have grown up in a very restricted life, such as those raised by fundamentalists or cults in any religion (remember that "fundamental" can apply to any tradition), where all they have been exposed to is one side of the issue, they really NEED to study other beliefs. It is yes in the sense that we want the gospel to be understood since good communication requires that we understand what the other person hears when we say what we say. Muslims use almost all the same theological vocabulary as Christians, but they understand different things by those words. Understanding other religions is fundamental to citizenship Kenneth Primrose. What Christians Can Learn from Other Religions by J. Philip Wogaman. This attitude rises from inscience and illiteracy that somebody have. Its uses are recognized widely today. Slugsie. You may not believe in what they do, but its their culture and what they feel… Skip to content. The study of sociology has a great value especially in modern complex society. Firstly it would be important to have an understanding of what the SACE code conduct and the National policy on religion and education stands for in order to complete an essay that requests whether the one supports the other. While some suggest all you need is the Bible to grow spiritually, there are at least three important ways studying other religions can help Christians. Should Christians seek to understand the religious convictions of non-Christians, and should that knowledge influence how we share the gospel? Religious education emphasises respect for others, regardless of their beliefs, race or social status. Rather, we study it to be good evangelists and good disciple makers. As a Mennonite engaged in the study of world religions (the discipline which used to be referred to as comparative religions) I teach in the area of Hinduism in a religious studies department. What is the importance of studying/understanding other religions? Religious Studies is intellectually exciting because it provides access to the mystery of the other. If we do not study religion, we are not studying what is important about ourselves in the world." All persons crave for … “We do not study other worldviews to compromise with them or to seek to blend them with biblical faith.”. Let's now consider some additional pleasures and rewards of studying religions. The Jewish Talmud, for example, says: The Hindu Mahabharata declares: And from the Islamic Sunnah: In the secular world, this is called empathy, one of the most important skillsyou can lear… Yet, on studying other religions, I find that they have different focuses on life and have come to more indepth understanding in some elements of life than I have found in my own system of beliefs. Related Questions. Knowing this, our evangelism efforts in North America necessarily include sharing what God says about himself, about the nature of the world, about humanity, about right and wrong, and a host of other things that nonbelievers do not share in common with Christians. Studying the world’s religions is very important and exciting. What Christians Can Learn from Other Religions by J. Philip Wogaman. It also helps you to understand who started it all and what (s)he taught to the other believers. It will even give you a better chance of being a missionary, for Christianity, all you have to do is study up on your KJV (King James Version) Bible. heyitshannahlynn. Paul would never say that paganism was a valid means of access to God in any way. SACE (South African Council of Educators) code of conduct is a professional council that is established in terms of SACE Act no.31 of 2000. "When we study religion, we study the subject that unifies all the other subjects of the humanities. Religion is one of the primary disciplines for investigating the boundary questions of life and death, of love and hate, that characterize the human condition. Because of the complexity and importance of religious phenomena, the scholarly study of religion in the modern research university is inherently interdisciplinary. 2. The Study of Other Religions: Its Necessity and Problems however, a much more important issue in our openness and response to other religious traditions. Why Study the Major Religions of the World? Clinical: This field treats mental illness and other … And what can be more powerful than greater self-knowledge to a 20 year old? I have much more to learn, but several personal insights intrigue me. One important one, is, I think, to learn respect for others, to learn to love strangers (even enemies) as we love our neighbors, our families, and ourselves. Relevance. If we simply tell a Hindu, “You must be born again,” we have told him the truth, but he hears that statement as meaning, “You must be reincarnated.” He will agree, but he will be agreeing with something we never meant. In the New Testament, the apostle Paul provided us with a great model to follow here. Until our own time and in many places in our own time, religion is the center of human life. Roughly half of Orthodox Christians (52%) also say this. Answer Save. Man does not live by knowledge alone. However, it is a good… Cultural Influence. (6) Religion controls economic life. Image Source: kentuu.org. In other words, we study what is going on in the minds of our non-Christian neighbors so we can communicate the gospel in a way that, hopefully, makes sense to them. Religion is everywhere and always integral to human cultures. According to A. 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